title: [Traveller counseling by embassies and consulates].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Before travelling to developing countries is necessary to seek accurate health advice. This paper evaluate the quality of travel information given out in Spain by other embassies and consulates of different countries.
  
  
  METHODS
  The information was regarded through a telephone survey calling to 32 embassies and consulates of countries in Asia, Africa and South and Central America posing as potential travellers seeking advice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 15 countries where yellow fever is endemic only 53% advised the appropriate immunization. Malaria prophylaxis was recommended in over 41% of the countries in areas of risk for malaria, denning the existence of malaria the 25%. Other immunizations such as hepatitis, tetanus, typhus was recommended by the 12.5% and over 25% mentioned additional precautions (water purification, insect repellents, food ...). 53% referred us to other sources of information in public health departments and travel clinics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diplomatic representations are still not an ideal source of pretravel advice. An accurate advice should be sought from health units of international vaccines and Tropical Medicine.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud Arrabal, Zaragoza.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Montañés Alcántara
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mejías García
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gascón Brustenga
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corachán Cuyás
mesh_terms: D003376:Counseling; D003625:Data Collection; D003906:Developing Countries; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D013689:Telephone; D014195:Travel; D014330:Tropical Medicine
vernacular_title: Consejos al viajero desde las embajadas y consulados.